Recovering from an Accident: How Can I Secure Work-from-Home Approval from My Employer?

Actually, I met with a road accident 2 weeks ago and was severely injured. The doctor has advised me to take bed rest for 6 weeks. I have informed my management about this and requested 15 days of leave, intending to work from home for the remaining days to avoid loss of pay. In response, they asked for my medical reports, which I promptly submitted. However, since then, I have not received any confirmation regarding the approval of my leave.

The requested leave period is almost over, and I am still in recovery, but I am eager to continue working from home. As I have not heard back from them, I am unsure how to approach them to seek approval for working from home. Any suggestions on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I have also heard from my colleagues that our management does not grant work-from-home options to everyone; only selected individuals receive this benefit. This news disappoints me, especially since they have not inquired about my health condition. I am disheartened by the lack of concern shown towards me, and it makes me reconsider whether I want to work in an environment where my well-being is not a priority.

Dear Friend,

I suggest talking to your colleagues and team members to assess their views and understand what your management is thinking about your absence due to sickness. I don't know the nature of your role, so it's difficult to comment on the situation.

Can you please disclose your role and position so that I can provide a holistic view and suggestions on how to approach working from home?

Take care!

Wilma Gupta

Involvement in the Software Development Lifecycle

I see, your role requires your involvement throughout the software development lifecycle, and testing plays a critical role—from Test Plan to Execution of Test Cases. If your organization is small and software testers are limited in carrying out the testing function vis-a-vis the workload and current business requirements to meet deliverables, it is possible that they are looking for a replacement as well, which might be why they are not responding to you.

Work From Home Considerations

As far as work from home is concerned, your role doesn't permit work-from-home benefits. Therefore, I suggest you resume duty as soon as possible. At least go to the office and restrict your movements to your workstation only. Ensure you take your medicines properly and take ample care of yourself to recover soon. If you delay, there are chances that they are looking for a replacement very soon.

Take care!

Regards, Wilma Gupta

Termination of Employment: Understanding Your Rights

The management has the right to terminate employment for reasons known to them, but prior intimation and a show cause notice must be given to allow the employee to present their case. Therefore, please discuss your situation with your boss, provide an update, and inquire about your employment status.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Termination

Termination of employment can be voluntary (by resignation) or involuntary (due to various reasons). However, in many cases, employees are asked to resign voluntarily to prevent unpleasant situations and bitterness within the organization.

I recommend speaking with your boss to address the current situation and determine whether it is in your favor or not. Your boss can act as the best arbitrator in this matter.

Take care!

Regards, Wilma Gupta

Dear Gupta,

Thank you for your support. Following your suggestion, I called and emailed my boss. Unfortunately, he did not answer my call nor respond to my email. I am unsure of what might be the issue.

Thank you.

Dear Gupta,

Thank you very much for your valuable suggestions; I appreciate it. I have been to the office and talked to my HR manager. He understood my situation, spoke to management, and assigned me work from home.